The mythical iPhone 5S, the follow-up to the iPhone 5 (pictured), might be available by this summer.
Here's what we know about the next iPhone so far:
1. It might debut this summer
Previous versions
of the iPhone were typically unveiled in the fall, but Apple could be
looking to unwrap the 5S during the dog days of summer. According to MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities — who boasts a pretty solid track record
with this kind of stuff — says he expects Apple to debut the new iPhone
in July. Such an effort would "avoid repeating the fatal mistake" made
last year with the delayed iPhone 5 launch, "which gave competitors room
to grab market share." Did someone say Samsung Galaxy?
2. More horsepowerThis is a no-brainer, but according to Kuo's sources,
the iPhone 5S will include some incremental spec bumps, most notably a
new quad-core A7 processor. Here's the full rundown of the purported
specs:
3. 'Smart Flash'
The camera on the iPhone 5 has received excellent marks from reviewers,
but Kuo insists the iPhone 5S will support a new feature called "Smart
Flash." Essentially, the camera will automatically decide whether to use
a white or yellow flash depending on lighting.
4. A new fingerprint chip
Nary a day goes by without a hacking story (Evernote being the most recent victim),
and Apple could shore up the iPhone's defenses by potentially scrapping
the four-number login. According to Kuo, the iPhone 5S will come
sporting a first-of-its kind "fingerprint chip under the Home button,
improving security and usability." Remember: Last July Apple bought AuthenTec, a security firm specializing in fingerprint-based technology.
5. The 5S could have a little siblingRumors have long persisted of
a more affordable iPhone built from lower-cost parts like a
polycarbonate shell. Tim Cook insists that Apple will never make a
"cheap" product, and Apple already sells older models at steep
discounts. Still, everyone from The Wall Street Journal to DigiTimes reports
that a more affordable iPhone is likely on the way, mostly to help the
company gain some much-needed traction in emerging markets. Kuo claims
that when the curtains rise for the iPhone 5S this summer, don't expect
it to shine alone.
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